Oregon school adds new healthy food options

Howard Street Charter school's new menu features gluten-free and vegetarian options, plus meals are served with organic fruits and vegetables.

Nov. 21—Greasy pizza and chocolate milk used to be a regular lunch choice for Howard Street Charter school, in Oregon, student Lauren Smith.

But with the launch of a new school lunch program this week, Smith is opting for a healthier meal — spaghetti with a side of applesauce and bite-sized carrots.

“I feel like it’s not a school lunch food and more like an actual meal,” Smith said.

The charter school is contracting this year with Salem-based Fresh n’ Local, which provides food to hospitals, schools and individuals throughout Oregon using natural, organic and local ingredients. The company doesn’t use any artificial ingredients or high-fructose corn syrup in its foods, according to its website.

It was a decision that brought the duo recognition at Monday night’s MenuDirections 2015 awards ceremony in Memphis, Tenn., which is part of FoodService Director magazine’s annual conference geared towards foodservice operators and suppliers.